FY26 TOTAL FORCE ENLISTMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAMS AND ENLISTMENT BONUSES

R 031417Z NOV 25
MARADMIN 526/25
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA//
SUBJ/FY26 TOTAL FORCE ENLISTMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
AND ENLISTMENT BONUSES//
REF/A/MSGID: DOC/CMC/YMD: 20120320//
REF/B/MSGID: DOC/MCTFS PRIUM//
REF/C/TITLE 37, U.S.C.//
REF/D/DOC/DoD 7000.14-R//
NARR/REF A IS MCO 1130.53R, ENLISTMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAMS. REF B IS
THE PERSONNEL REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS AND USERS MANUAL. REF C IS
TITLE 37, U.S. CODE, PAY AND ALLOWANCES OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES.
REF D IS DOD 7000.14-R, DOD FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION, VOLUME
7A, CHAPTER 2//
POC/M. W. YOUNG/MAJ/MPP-20/TEL: 703-784-9497/
EMAIL: [email protected]//
POC/S. A. STEELE/MAJ/RA, RAP/TEL: 703-784-9143/
EMAIL: [email protected]//
POC/L. REILLY/GYSGT/RA, RAM/TEL: 703-432-9077/
EMAIL: [email protected]//
POC/A. A. LAZELLE/CWO5/MCRC, G-3/TEL: 571-559-4610/
EMAIL: [email protected]//
POC/A. L. NELSON/CAPT/MCRC, NPS/TEL: 571-599-4534/
EMAIL: [email protected]//
POC/MILITARY COMPENSATION CHIEF/M&RA MPO/TEL: 703-784-9371/9372//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Purpose. Effective as of 1 October 2025, this
MARADMIN provides guidance to support Marine Corps Recruiting
Command's (MCRC) Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 accession mission. This
MARADMIN updates reference (a) and announces the FY26 Enlistment
Option Programs (EOP) and the Enlistment Bonus Program (EBP). It
also provides guidance for the FY26 Selected Marine Corps Reserve
(SMCR) Enlistment Bonus (EB) and Montgomery G.I. Bill - Selected
Reserve (MGIB-SR) Kicker. The SMCR EB is authorized for either
10,000 or 6,000 dollars. The MGIB-SR Kicker amount varies up to 350
dollars a month for no more than 36 months.
2. Background
2a. The Marine Corps' objective is to maximize the number of fully
trained, qualified, experienced, and deployable Marines in the Fleet
Marine Force (FMF) over time and within any given personnel budget.
As we progress towards an "invest and retain" model, it is critical
to channel applicants into the right occupational fields to maximize
our return on investment and increase Marines' propensity to serve
beyond their initial contract.
2b. The Enlistment Incentive Program (EIP) provides recruiters with
different options of enlistment programs available to entry-level
applicants. The EIP supports the recruiting effort in acquiring the
talent necessary to support the Force Design and FMF. These various
programs ensure qualified applicants are aligned to a program that
best fits their desires and talents.
2c. This EIP plan establishes the Program Enlisted For (PEF) and
various Bonus PEF (BPEF) options available for MCRC to meet the
annual accession requirement for the active component.
3. Active Component Enlistment Incentives
3a. Enlistment Option Program. The EOP offers applicants specific
skill-group guarantees via PEFs. A PEF groups Primary Military
Occupational Specialties (PMOS) by prerequisites. Every active
component Marine Corps' applicant enlists within a PEF, not a
specific PMOS. An applicant's Statement of Understanding (SOU)
outlines the specific PEF enlistment requirements. The PEF and PMOS
distributions for FY26 are listed below.
3.a.(1). AE (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting): 7051
3.a.(2). AF (Aviation Mechanic): 6062, 6073, 6074, 6092, 6113,
6114, 6116, 6123, 6124, 6132, 6153, 6154, 6156, 6214, 6216, 6217,
6218, 6227, 6256, 6257, 6258
3.a.(3). AG (Aircrew): 6173, 6174, 6176, 6276
3.a.(4). AJ (Aviation Support Systems and Ordnance): 6048, 6286,
6287, 6288, 6531, 6541, 7240
3.a.(5). AN (Air Control/Navigation and UAS): 7257, 7316
3.a.(6). AP (Open Contract): Any MOS
3.a.(7). AZ (4x2x2 Open Contract): Any MOS
3.a.(8). BA (Aviation Electronics Tech): 5951, 5952, 5953, 5954,
6314, 6316, 6317, 6323, 6324, 6326, 6336, 6337, 6338, 6423, 6432,
6469, 6483, 6492, 6499, 6694
3.a.(9). BY (Electronics Maintenance): 2171, 2831, 2841, 2847,
2871, 2887, 5939, 5948, 5955, 5974, 5979
3.a.(10). CB (Administration): 0111, 0161, 6046, 7041
3.a.(11). CC (Accounting and Legal): 3432, 3451, 4421
3.a.(12). CE (Combat Support): 0811, 1371, 1834, 7212
3.a.(13). CH (Combat Imagery and Social Media Operations): 4512,
4541, 4571
3.a.(14). CJ (Logistics): 0411, 0441, 2311, 3043, 3051, 3152, 3381,
6042, 6672
3.a.(15). CK (Fire Direction and Control Specialists): 0842, 0844,
0847, 0861
3.a.(16). CO (Utilities Technician): 1141, 1164
3.a.(17). CP (General Engineering): 1171, 1345, 1361, 1391, 7011
3.a.(18). CX (Vehicle Mechanic): 1341, 2131, 2143, 2147, 3521
3.a.(19). DB (Information and Communications Technology): 0621,
0627, 0631, 0671
3.a.(20). DD (Intelligence and Planning): 0231, 0241, 0261, 0511,
6842, 7314
3.a.(21). DG (Cyber and Crypto Operations): 1721, 2621, 2631, 2641,
2651
3.a.(22). HZ (Reconnaissance): 0321
3.a.(23). MA (Machinist): 1316, 2111, 2161
3.a.(24). MG (Marine Guard): 0311
3.a.(25). MT (Motor Transport): 3531
3.a.(26). PN (Open Contract): Any MOS
3.a.(27). PR (Parachute Rigger): 0451
3.a.(28). U2 (Musician): 5524
3.a.(29). U4 (The Commandant's Own / Drum and Bugle Corps): 5512
3.a.(30). UH (Infantry): 0311, 0313, 0331, 0341, 0352
3.a.(31). UJ (CBRND): 5711
3.a.(32). UT (Military Police and Corrections): 5811, 5831
3b. Enlistment Bonus Program. The EBP will be continually refined to
enable the Marine Corps to remain competitive in the war for talent.
The EBP facilitates the market expansion required to achieve annual
shipping goals, skill channeling of talent into Force Design
priorities, and to support service-level efforts to increase return
on personnel investment. Bonuses may be adjusted during the FY as
recruiting environment conditions require. The PEFs eligible for a
bonus for FY26 are as follows:
PEF BPEF Description Amount
(1) BY QY Electronic Maintenance $15,000
(2) DG QQ Cyber and Crypto Operations $15,000
(3) Any QE $5,000 Shipping Bonus $5,000
(4) Any QF $10,000 Shipping Bonus $10,000
(5) Any QV Plus 1 Year Targeted Investment Bonus $7,000
(6) Any QW Plus 2 Years Targeted Investment Bonus $15,000
4. Active Component Bonus Types
4.a. Skill-based bonuses are those bonuses listed in paragraph 3b.
that are associated to a PEF (e.g. QY PEF is associated with the BY
PEF). Applicants with a skill-based bonus will be classified into
one of the associated PMOSs under the respective PEF listed in
paragraph 3a.
4.b. Shipping bonuses are not associated with a particular PEF and
can be applied to any PEF. Applicants issued the shipping bonus
(QE/QF) will first sign an SOU for a PEF listed in paragraph 3a.
4.c. The Target Investment Plus 1/Plus 2 bonuses continue in FY26 to
address contract inefficiencies by providing longer contract
options. Applicants issued the Targeted Investment Plus 1/Plus 2
bonus will first sign an SOU for a PEF listed in paragraph 3a.
Targeted Investment Plus 1 (QV) and Targeted Investment Plus 2 (QW)
bonuses require applicants to sign 1 or 2 additional years of
service to their term of enlistment (TOE) in their contracts prior
to shipping to recruit training. These bonuses will be paid out upon
the Join (TTC 020) to the School of Infantry (SOI).
4.d. Active component applicants may receive only one enlistment
bonus.
5. The following guidance is in support of administrators'
authorization, obligation, and payment of active component
enlistment bonuses. As outlined in reference (b), chapter 9,
section 91201, the auto-generated enlistment bonus obligation type
transaction code (TTC 245 000) and payment transactions
(TTC 392 000) remain unchanged.
5a. For the QY and QQ bonuses, the first permanent duty station Join
will automatically trigger (TTC 392 SEQ 000) and process the
Enlistment Bonus (402 Remark). In the event the system generated
(TTC 392 SEQ 000) transaction fails to process, the administrative
Reporting Unit Code (RUC)/Installation Personnel Administration
Center (IPAC) can report TTC 392 SEQ 000 in accordance with
reference (b), chapter 9, and section 91201.
5b. For the QE, QF, QV, and QW bonuses, once the Enlistment Bonus
Authorization (TTC 245 000) is reported and posted, the first SOI
Join (TTC 020) will automatically trigger (TTC 392 000) and process
the Enlistment Bonus (402 Remark).
6. SMCR EB
6.a. Amounts. The SMCR EB amount is 10,000 dollars for those
enlisting to "required" Quota Serial Numbers (QSN) and 6,000 dollars
to those enlisting to the remaining QSNs. The QSN List defining
"required" QSNs is coordinated between Reserve Affairs (RA), Marine
Forces Reserve, and MCRC via separate correspondence.
6.b. Administrative Guidance
6.b.(1) MCRC G-3 is the only organization authorized to submit SMCR
EB requests to RA Management (RA (RAM)).
6.b.(2) Requests will be submitted to RAM-1 via email at
[email protected].
6.b.(3) The applicable bonus program code for the EB is Z7.
6.b.(4) Upon approval of the request, RA (RAM) will issue a Bonus
Control Number (BCN)
6.b.(5) RA (RAM) will return the request with the assigned BCN and
validation of signatures to MCRC G-3 via email.
6.b.(6) MCRC G-3 will enter the assigned BCN into the Marine Corps
Recruiting Information Support System (MCRISS) and forward the
approval to the appropriate Recruiting District.
6.b.(7) Prior to shipping to recruit training, the applicant must
complete an approved SOU (Headquarters United States Marine Corps
RAP form number 7220R Z7 Selected Reserve Incentive Program)
attached to the Reserve Optional Enlistment Program (ROEP) Annex for
the EB. The Marine Corps Military Entrance Processing Station
(MEPS) liaison must validate the SOU.
6.b.(8) MCRC G-3 will forward a PDF copy of the SOU to RA (RAM).
6.b.(9) RA (RAM) will monitor and track the applicant's accession
status. Once accessed, RA (RAM) will report the appropriate
obligation remark to update the applicant's Marine Corps Total Force
System (MCTFS) record with the SMCR EB lump sum payment. Initial
Active Duty Training (IADT) for enlisted Marines is defined as
Recruit Training, Marine Combat Training, and MOS school. Payment
will post upon completion of IADT after the SMCR unit joins the
Marine to the appropriate RUC/MCC.
6.b.(10) MCRC G-3 will notify RA (RAM) in the event a BCN revocation
occurs, or an applicant fails to ship. RA (RAM) will revoke an EB
if a Marine fails to meet the following eligible criteria for the
incentive prior to receiving payment.
6.c. Eligibility Criteria
6.c.(1) Enlist to a Reserve Affairs Personnel Policy, Plans, and
Programming and Budgeting (RA (RAP)) validated QSN.
6.c.(2) Enlist under the ROEP with a 6x2 obligation and complete all
required training for assignment to the contracted MOS and SMCR
unit.
6.c.(3) Applicants who enlist under the Incremental Initial Active
Duty Training (IIADT) program are ineligible.
6.c.(4) Marines reclassified to an alternate MOS that is eligible
for an EB during IADT will retain their eligibility for a SMCR EB.
Marines failing to meet the prerequisites for the contracted MOS or
due to academic failure will forfeit the incentive.
6.d. Reclassification Guidance. If RA (RAM) issues a Marine an
SMCR EB BCN and the Marine undergoes a subsequent reclassification
to another MOS, the Reserve Training Liaison (RTL) will:
6.d.(1) Process the MOS reclassification in accordance with current
procedures.
6.d.(2) Submit to RA (RAP) the initial unit and MOS assigned to the
Marine, the new unit and MOS assignment, the reason for
reclassification, and the Marine's request for approval to retain
the SMCR EB upon reclassification.
6.d.(3) Update the Marine's record upon RA (RAP) approval for the
newly assigned MOS and authorization to retain the issued SMCR EB.
6.d.(4) Notify RA (RAM) via the organizational email of the MOS
reclassification and provide a copy of the RA (RAP) approval letter
as source documentation to correct the Marine's obligation remark
within MCTFS.
6.e. Obligation
6.e.(1) Recipients will incur a 6-year service obligation in the
SMCR.
6.e.(2) Marines must complete all required training for assignment
to the contracted MOS and SMCR unit.
6.e.(3) Marines must serve satisfactorily during the service
obligation.
6.e.(4) Marines who do not complete their 6-year service obligation
are subject to review for administrative separation from the Marine
Corps. Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve (COMMARFORRES)
shall review and process administrative separation packages.
7. MGIB-SR Kicker
7.a. Administrative Guidance
7.a.(1) MCRC G-3 is the only entity authorized to submit requests
for this incentive.
7.a.(2) MCRC G-3 will approve and enter an assigned Kicker Control
Number (KCN) into MCRISS and forward the approval to the appropriate
district. MCRC G-3 will provide a monthly report to RA (RAM) on
assigned KCNs.
7.a.(3) Prior to shipping to recruit training, the applicant must
complete an approved SOU (RA RAP form number 1560R Z8 MGIB-Kicker)
attached to the ROEP Annex for the MGIB-SR Kicker. The Marine Corps
MEPS liaison must validate the SOU.
7.a.(4) The MCRC Reserve Procurement Chief will forward a PDF copy
of the SOU to RA (RAM) via the organizational email.
7.a.(5) The MCRC Reserve Procurement Chief will notify RA (RAM) via
the organizational email ([email protected]) in the event of a revoked
KCN and when an applicant fails to ship.
7.b. Eligibility Criteria
7.b.(1) Enlist to a RA (RAP) validated QSN under the ROEP with a 6x2
obligation.
7.b.(2) Meet all eligibility criteria for the MGIB-SR listed in
reference (a).
7.b.(3) Applicants who enlist under the IADT Program option are
eligible upon completion of first increment of training.
7.c. Obligation
7.c.(1) Recipients will incur a 6-year service obligation.
7.c.(2) Marines who do not complete their 6-year service obligation
are subject to review by COMMARFORRES for administrative separation
from the Marine Corps.
7.c.(3) Submit requests for early release or deferment of the 6-year
service obligation to COMMARFORRES for approval.
8. Reserve component applicants are authorized to receive the EB
and MGIB-SR Kicker concurrently.
9. Availability of the SMCR EB and MGIB-SR Kicker is contingent
upon available funding.
10. Incentives will be approved in the order they are received
until bonus amount allocation and funding limitations are reached.
Availability will be provided on the Reserve Affairs incentive
dashboard and in messages posted on TFRS.
11. Repayment Requirements. In accordance with Section 373 of
reference (c), Marines shall repay to the United States any unearned
portion of their paid bonus if they fail to fulfill the terms of
their bonus SOU, including completion of the period of obligated
service.
11.a. Exceptions to Repayment. In accordance with Section 373 of
reference (c), repayment of unearned bonus amounts shall not be
required for Marines who die or are retired or separated with a
combat-related disability. In accordance with reference (d),
particularly Table 2-1, and the Separation Program Designator (SPD)
Code Matrix, repayment action will not be sought under certain
circumstances. Additionally, subject to reference (d), the
Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs
(ASN(M&RA)) may grant an exception to repayment. This authority has
been delegated to the Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources
(DC, P&R), who may grant exceptions to repayment for unearned
amounts up to $10,000 in cases where an exception is allowable in
accordance with reference (d) and the SPD Code Matrix.
11.b. Questions regarding exceptions to repayment may be directed
to MPO using the contact info above.
12. This MARADMIN is applicable to the Total Force.
13. Cancellation. 30 Sep 2026.
14. Release authorized by Lieutenant General William J. Bowers,
Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. //